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Celebrating 52 Years!
Greetings!

With Spring blossoms popping up adding a rainbow of color around us, we are reminded of the many ways differences make our world beautiful.

April was Autism Awareness Month – and we were honored to partner with many local organizations, businesses and municipalities to not only increase awareness of the unique abilities of people on the autism spectrum, but to also celebrate their contributions and accomplishments! 

After helping the City of Chicopee raise an autism flag on April 2, 2019 – World Autism Day – we raised a flag at our main campus - and will continue to proudly fly it throughout the year!
 
Raising these flags kicked off a month of great days – and as you read through this newsletter – you will see all that we did to help Sunshine Village SHINE!

We hope you enjoy seeing all the ways we shine!

Have a great day!
Gina Kos
Executive Director
Autism Awareness Month
Lt. Governor Polito's Visit
Board Chair, Ernest Laflamme Jr., and Executive Director, Gina Kos, presented Lieutenant Governor, Karyn Polito, with a painting made by our artists with distinct abilities. The painting has the inspiring message of "Different, not less." to build acceptance of those on the autism spectrum. Lt. Governor Polito enjoyed brownies and a PoundPro workout with Litwin Center Program.
In honor of April as Autism Awareness Month , we were part of a flag raising ceremony at Chicopee City Hall with Mayor Richard Ko s and community partners.
We visited our local libraries with our unique creations and bookmarks to raise awareness and acceptance of those on the autism spectrum.
We decorated Chicopee City Hall , Westfield City Hall , and Palmer Town Hall with our paintings made by artists with distinct abilities. s 3
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno presented us with a proclamation declaring April Autism Awareness Month in Springfield!
Our programs delivered tasty treats and artwork to first responder s to thank them for their dedication and service to our communities.
Helping Everyone Shine
Giving Back
Out & About
Our Litwin Lane Program prepared a delicious taco bar dinner with all the fixings for residents of The Harmony House .
As a part of their monthly Hope Project , our Litwin Center Program enjoys visiting with residents of The Wellington at Springfield . This month, they played an autism-themed bingo and brought homemade treats to share.
To recognize the many friendships we have made through volunteering , we visited our community partners across the Pioneer Valley, including Holyoke Children's Museum, Rachel's Table, and Community Survival Center.
The Promise of Great Days
Fun With Friends
Celebrations
We hosted the Chicopee Cultural Council and Springfield Cultural Council to thank them for the grants that support our Everyone Shines Music Therapy Program.
We celebrate unique abilities! In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Day , our programs rocked their socks !
Our Friendship Club felt fabulous after being treated to manicures and makeovers during their spa day !
Our Community Engagement Program hosted an elegant tea party for Chicopee native and Miss Bristol County's Outstanding Teen, Meghan Kalbaugh !
Our programs celebrated St. Patrick's Day in style with lots of green, lots of homemade treats, and lots of friends!
Zach has always had a passion for working with horses. With the help of his job readiness coaches, he was able to secure a dream job with Lucky Horse Farm in Granby.

This family-run business keeps him busy with work year-round to ensure the horses are well-fed and the grounds a well-kept for the riders - and horses- to enjoy.

Does your business need reliable people to help you get the job done?

 If so, please contact us:
(413)592-6142.
Delivering on Excellence
Shining Moments
Our employees make great days
happen at Sunshine Village!

Our Transportation Department is dedicated to safe travels! To thank them for their hard work , we celebrated them with a appreciation luncheon . Our Community Engagement Program made gift bags filled with treats to take on the road.
Congratulations to our Board Chair, Ernest Laflamme Jr. for receiving a Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club of Chicopee. The award recognizes his outstanding lifetime of service to the community.
As a part of our commitment to wellness, we raffled Wellness Baskets filled with healthy, fresh foods. To reward their hard work, we also raffled off "Shine Time" for extra paid time off.
Our Executive Director, Gina Kos , spoke to a sold out crowd at the March Chicopee Chamber of Commerce CEO Luncheon.
Come See Us Shine
3 0th Annual
Sunshine Village
Golf Tournament
is SOLD OUT for golf teams!
Please
Sponsorships still available!
Please register by email
or with this link.
should they
*Thank you to our
Golf Tournament Sponsors*

Tournament Sponsors:

Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation

PeoplesBank

Westfield Bank

Lunch Sponsor:
Charter Oak Financial
Dinner Sponsor:
USI Insurance
Golf Cart Sponsor:
Polish National Credit Union
Beverage Cart Sponsor:
Key Private Bank
Golf Ball Cannon Contest Sponsor:
Marcotte Ford
Towel Sponsor:
Inter-All Corporation
Hat Sponsor:
Caolo & Bieniek Associates, Inc.
Bag Sponsor:
Knights of Columbus Elder Council #69
Diamond Sponsors:
A. Crane Construction
Health New England
HUB New England
Kellco Products
Regency Transportation
Siddall & Siddall, P.C.
Platinum Sponsors:
Fairview Council 4044 Knights of Columbus
Mercedes-Benz of Springfield
Stephen Melnyck Jr. our copy should ad
Good luck to the
Sunshine Village
Eagles Baseball Team
as they begin their season!

To register a player, please email.
Sunshine Village
Delivering on the promise of a great day for the next 50 Years!

Your donation helps us continue our lasting legacy of
providing life-engaging, meaningful experiences and jobs for
hundreds of adults with intellectual and/or developmental
disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum.

Thank you!
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Main Office:
75 Litwin Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
413.592.6142